How to prevent a water damage at your house

5/14/2022 (Permalink)

Source of damage caused by hot water supply line on the 2 floor in the middle of then night

Houses are a large investment, and in order to protect that investment, you should be on the look out for potential problems and fix them before they worsen and cause a potential disaster. One of the potential problems to watch out for is water damage. But how does one go about finding water damage and potential problems related to water? It’s easier than you think!

The first step is to check your floors. No matter what kind of flooring you have, it will develop signs of water damage. For tile and wood, you want to look for cracking, buckling, and warping, and for carpet look for damp spots, gradual rises, soft spots, and the smell of mold and dampness.

Water stains on flooring around bathtubs, sinks, and toilets or water stains on ceilings or walls are an obvious sign of water damage; and unusual stains could indicate a leaky pipe or drain in the wall. Speaking of walls, cracked drywall or areas of drywall that look swollen and feel soft to the touch could also signify trouble. Peeling paint can also signify water damage, as paint loses adhesion when drywall gets wet.

Finally, watch out for rust and mold. Inspect your water heater for rust on the tank or water on the floor, as rust spots could indicate a slow leak. Corrosion around pipe connections could be caused by water seepage as well. Visual signs of active mold growth mean there’s moisture in contact with microscopic mold spores; often in the tiny nooks and crannies of your home. But don’t rely solely on sight when looking for mold! When water stagnates, mold and bacteria can grow, and produces a musty, unpleasant smell.

If you should find yourself in need of water or storm damage restoration or mold remediation, call the professionals at SERVPRO Malibu/ Topanga Canyon/Pacific Palisades  today!